Key retail moments of 2019

Whether you’re planning a local marketing campaign, looking at stock control or upskilling staff, knowing what’s happening and when is crucial. Planning for everything from seasonal celebrations to national days creates opportunities to boost footfall and cross-sell. And make your branch the hub of both the local community and the small business community. Click the title of the event for a link to social media posts you can easily share to Facebook.

February

The biggest Chinese holiday of the year, this celebration dates back to the 1500s. Today, online and bricks and mortar retailers sell everything from greetings cards to lanterns and hong bao – red envelopes for monetary gifts.

According to research giant Mintel, Valentine’s Day is now the biggest retailer event of the first half of the year. Demand for unique and personalised gifts was up in 2018, so online sellers on sites like Etsy may have their work cut out fulfilling orders.

March

Saint Patrick’s Day – 17 March

According to the Greetings Card Association, around 7 million cards are bought each year to celebrate the life of the patron saint of Ireland. And with over 67,000 items of Saint Patrick’s Day-themed items for sale on Etsy, March could be another busy period for marketplace sellers.

National Retail Federation (NRF) found that Britain spent around £50 million on Mothering Sunday cards in 2018. Popular presents included gardening tools and housewares, jewellery, gift cards, spa days and clothing.

April

Easter Weekend – 19 April

Did you know that around 57 million Easter cards are sent each year? That’s according to Cards Direct, which places Easter in its top five card-sending holidays of the year.

Passover – Pesach – 19 April

Millions of Jewish people worldwide remember how Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Celebrations last 7-8 days, and begin with family and friends sharing the ritual meal Seder. Boxes of fruit and sweets are sometimes exchanged, and children often receive small gifts.

June

Eid al-Fitr – 4 June (date could change to reflect lunar sightings)

The feast that marks the end of Ramadan can last up to three days. Billions of Muslims around the world hold prayers, give to charity and share their first daylight meal in a month. Celebrations centre on food, family and friends. People often buy new clothes, bake sweets and exchange gifts.

Father’s Day – 16 June

Some 53% of us admit to spending less on Father’s Day than Mother’s Day, says the NRF. But it’s still a key retail date and one of the top card-sending occasions.

July

Amazon Prime Day

A global shopping event for Prime members with big discounts on offer. 1 in 20 UK web visits went to Amazon.co.uk on Amazon Prime Day in 2018, which means big opportunities for Local Collect and Returns. It usually happens in July, and is set to creep to Amazon Prime Day-and-a-half at least so stay tuned for the date.

September

Back to school

First day of school cards and back to school gifts like personalised notebooks and pencil cases are often sent by doting grandparents to make back to school week a less daunting milestone for kids.

November

Like Halloween, Black Friday is getting bigger in the UK. In 2017, some 21% of us bought something on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and regretted it later. Check out our tips for a booming Black Friday

December

Cyber Monday – 2 Dec

Small Business Saturday – 7 Dec

Super Saturday – 21 Dec

Christmas Day - 25 Dec

November and December present huge opportunities for winning new customers and building relationships with existing ones through services like Local Collect and Returns. The festive period is also golden opportunity to identify marketplace sellers who would benefit from the convenience and numerous benefits of Drop & Go.

The Jewish Festival of Light involves nightly menorah-lighting, food, prayer, dance, donation and gift-giving. Children usually receive a dreidel as a first Hanukkah gift. Monetary gifts are sometimes given to older children.

And finally, to discover more holidays and events around the world, click here – there could be big opportunities here for expats or those looking to send cards and presents to families abroad.